Zombie Prom notes: our Opening Night Gala sponsor is my friend and Grand Hotel doorman Jim! Rehearsals started in September, and I got to spend a lot of time with Joyce ( :0D ) for a welcome change. We've both been so busy, and since we don't share a dwelling any more, these times are more precious. Opening night was the night after Halloween, and even though our houses were small, the audiences were very appreciative. Many patrons had never heard of the show, and were glad we had introduced a new experience to them. If only it could have translated into more ticket sales. :( In our cast-staff-and-crew photo (below) Joyce and I are second and third from the left in the front row.
Birthday Week activities began with a Sunday night football game at the 'Stick, which our 9ers won - by a lot! :) Unless we can see a playoff game here, this is our last time in the stadium. Joyce became melancholy as we lingered well past the final minutes of the game, and watched from the exit ramp the players' families playing and gathering in their secluded parking area. I took our birthday day off from work, and first we had free breakfast at Dennys, which is always a fun tradition. Then we drove to San Francisco to shop on Pier 39, birthday drinks and lunch at the Hard Rock, then headed over to Macys at Union Square where we went to all 7 floors to check it out - since Joyce is now an employee of that organization. We were exhausted as we drove home that evening. We had other people cover us for ZP rehearsal, so we got to go to our homes and rest up. [Not that night but a few nights later we had birthday dinner - with singing by wait-staff - at Black Angus ... yum!] The next night I got to usher for Les Miserables at Saratoga, which was amazing; so many of my friends were in it which is always fun to see them perform! Then the night following that, I got to usher for a fun show at Santa Clara University's Mayer theatre, Travis LeDoyt performing as Elvis in his early years; he is an amazing and very talented performer - he had many of us swooning! All in all a fun week of unique activities.
Rehearsals for 1776 began on Veterans Day, yet another notable start date for our notable show. Our first music rehearsals sounded so incredible - - our performances are sure to be awesome! In the cast-and-staff photo (below) Ana ended up front and center!
I won a couple of free employee activities lotteries at work, because it's a Great Place To Work! The first one Joyce joined me at a tailgate for a 9er away game which was catered by our favorite armadillo bbq restaurant. We didn't win the game, but it was fun watching it on the big screen in our corporate auditorium. The second, Joyce ended up getting scheduled to work, but I won two tickets to see Frozen, which has a character named - of all things! - Princess Ana!! Great music and great animation - this one will definitely end up in my video library! Speaking of watching our football team's games - a couple of our games I spent at my favorite Israeli food restaurant; they let me "take over the TV" and change channels to our game - which each time we won! When I'm not watching it there, I'm listening on my radio in my room, so I am definitely faithful to our boys in red-and-gold!
Sang at Temple for Yom Kippur in September; sang twice again in October; and twice more in November, lastly for an early Chanukkah celebration [Thanksgivukkah!] Was also blessed to read Torah two times in the last three months. I have now been reading more than a year, as I've started to re-read portions I learned last year. The last one I read only half of it last year, so I challenged myself to read the whole portion this year. And another blessing - Joyce got a full-time job at a solar company as an office assistant! Praise the Lord!! Prayers answered. She will also keep her part-time job at Macys and work there during the holidays.
Other shows I've seen: 1776 in SF with Equity players! very good, but we'll be good too. I got a "cheap" ticket for a Tuesday night performance, so I had a late night of it - but it was worth it. Also participated in Tabard's season kick-off, showcasing the upcoming season's shows - which I'll be in one! There was also an auction, and I tried to bid on a few items, but only ended up getting the prices raised (I guess that's good for Tabard ;-D ) House managed for Pippin several times. Saw several friends in a dramedy, Making God Laugh, which actually had my crying through much of it. Went to see Four Weddings and an Elvis, which is the show where Steve got to play an impersonating minister in Vegas - very funny production! My friend Ted staged his annual Decembrance production again, which I have now seen all three times. We three-peaters got a mention the next day on FB, as he thanked us for our dedication. I also attended a new production of an old work, Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite by one of our local jazz bands. It was amazing!! I am now officially in the holiday spirit!
Joyce and I haven't finalized our holiday plans - no holiday shut-down at my corporation, and this is Joyce's busy time at her companies! - but we will gather together at some point and make merry! We both wish you many blessings this holiday season. Let your loved ones know how much they mean to you. Blessings and much love to you all, and Have a Happy and Safe New Year!!
